Nicaragua Recalls Envoy From Cuba

Nicaragua recalled its envoy in Cuba for consultations Wednesday after the Cuban government accused several Latin nations of acting as "lackeys" of the United States.

The Cuban government has harshly criticized Nicaragua and other nations for supporting a U.N. commission resolution earlier this month that called on Cuba to accept a visit from a U.N. human rights expert.

In a statement, Nicaragua's Foreign Ministry said it rejected "the improper language" used by Cuba, and said it had recalled its charges-de-affairs in Havana, Mercedes De Sedas.

Foreign Minister Norman Caldera also called in Cuba's representative in Managua, Manuel Guillot, to explain her government's position.

Nicaragua and Cuba do not have formal ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations.

Last week, Peru also protested comments by Cuban U.N. delegate Juan Fernandez, who called Peru, Uruguay, Nicaragua and Costa Rica "repugnant lackeys" of the United States for presenting the resolution.

Peruvian Foreign Minister Allan Wagner said that Peru gave Cuban Ambassador Rogelio Sierra a diplomatic note of protest and added that Peru's ambassador to Cuba has been contacted for consultations.